Looking for the best Sony earbuds in 2026? I tested eight models side by side over six weeks – on commutes, in the gym, and on long flights – and the lineup is stronger than ever. Sony now covers every use case from sub-$50 budget listening (WF-C510) to flagship noise cancellation (WF-1000XM6) to gaming-grade latency (INZONE Buds).
Our team compared the WF-1000XM6 against the previous-gen WF-1000XM5, ran the WF-C710N through a busy cafe, and stress-tested the LinkBuds Fit during outdoor runs. The short answer: the WF-1000XM6 is the best Sony earbuds flagship for most buyers, but a few alternatives deliver better value depending on your priorities.
This guide covers every current Sony earbud worth your money, explains the Sony Sound Connect app features (360 Reality Audio, DSEE Extreme, Adaptive Sound Control), and answers the questions shoppers ask most – including whether Sony beats AirPods and Bose in 2026. For deeper audio comparisons, see our 8 Best Sony Headphones Trusted Reviews guide, or if running is your main use case, check our 11 Best Workout Earbuds roundup.
Top 3 Sony Earbuds at a Glance for September 2026
Best Sony Earbuds in September 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
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 Sony WF-1000XM6 |
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 Sony WF-1000XM5 |
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 Sony WF-C510 |
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 Sony WF-C710N |
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 Sony LinkBuds Fit |
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 Sony LinkBuds Clip |
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 Sony LinkBuds Open |
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 Sony INZONE Buds |
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1. Sony WF-1000XM6 – Best Sony Earbuds Overall
Sony WF-1000XM6 The Best Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds, Platinum Silver
ANC: QN3e processor
Battery: 24 hours total
Codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC
Pros
- Industry-leading ANC with QN3e processor and 8 mics
- Studio-engineered sound co-created with mastering engineers
- Excellent call quality with bone conduction sensor
- Adaptive NC Optimizer adjusts to environment
- Auto Ambient Sound with 3 modes
- 24-hour total battery life
Cons
- Larger earbud body than predecessor
- Stiff foam tips need break-in period
The WF-1000XM6 is the best Sony earbuds flagship you can buy today. I wore them on a 6-hour flight and on three subway commutes, and the new QN3e noise-cancelling processor delivered a quieter cabin than the WF-1000XM5 it replaces – engine drone dropped to a low hush, and chatty neighbors faded into the background.
Sound quality is co-tuned with mastering engineers, and you can hear the difference: vocals sit forward and clear, bass is tight without bleeding into mids, and the new LDAC streaming on Android pushed hi-res audio to a noticeably wider soundstage. The 8-mic array plus bone conduction sensor also fixed the call quality complaints older Sonys had – I sounded natural on a windy street test.
Battery life hits the advertised 8 hours per charge with ANC on (24 with the case), and quick charging gives a meaningful boost in a few minutes. Multipoint pairing to laptop and phone worked without dropouts in my testing, and Adaptive Sound Control automatically switched between ANC and transparency based on whether I was walking or sitting still.
The trade-off is size and seal. The XM6 earbud body is larger than the XM5, and the stock foam tips are stiffer than I’d like – I had to swap in third-party foam tips for a secure seal on the first day. Touch controls also require multiple taps for volume, which is slower than the physical buttons on cheaper Sonys.
Who should buy the WF-1000XM6
If you fly often, work in a noisy office, or want the strongest noise cancellation in any earbud today – the WF-1000XM6 is the right call. Audiophiles using LDAC-capable Android phones will appreciate the studio-tuned sound more than casual listeners will.
Who should skip the WF-1000XM6
If you’re on a tight budget, only use earbuds at home, or don’t need flagship ANC, step down to the WF-1000XM5 or WF-C710N. Small-eared buyers should try them in-store first – the larger body can be uncomfortable for some ear shapes.
2. Sony WF-1000XM5 – Best Previous-Gen Value
Sony WF-1000XM5 Premium Noise Cancelling Truly Wireless Earbuds, Silver
ANC: Dual feedback mics
Battery: 24 hours total
Codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC
Pros
- Excellent sound with detailed vocals and wide frequency range
- Effective ANC with strong wind noise reduction
- Lightweight design at 11.34g per bud
- 8 hours per charge plus 24 with case
- 3-minute quick charge for 1 hour playback
- Multipoint connection support
Cons
- Foam tips may not seal for all ear sizes
- Touch controls overly sensitive
The WF-1000XM5 is still one of the best Sony earbuds for shoppers who want flagship-tier sound without paying flagship-tier money. After the XM6 launched, this model dropped to clearance pricing at most retailers, and I found it delivers roughly 85% of the XM6 experience for noticeably less.
Sound quality remains excellent: the 8.4mm dynamic driver pulls detailed vocals and the LDAC streaming mode preserves hi-res audio on supported Android devices. ANC is one generation behind the XM6, but in a quiet office or on a bus it still cuts low-frequency rumble very well.
Battery life matches the XM6 on paper (8 hours per charge, 24 with case), and the 3-minute quick-charge feature is genuinely useful when you’re heading out the door. Multipoint connection let me switch between my laptop and phone without re-pairing.
Where the XM5 shows its age is fit and seal. The glossy surface is slippery – I dropped one earbud trying to pull it from the case – and the foam tips need careful sizing to get the seal right for full ANC. Touch controls are sensitive enough that adjusting the earbud can pause playback by accident.
Who should buy the WF-1000XM5
Pick the XM5 if the XM6 is out of budget but you still want flagship sound and LDAC. Long-time Sony buyers loyal to this generation – some reviewers on r/SonyHeadphones still call it “truly excellent” – will find it a familiar upgrade path.
Who should skip the WF-1000XM5
If you’re buying new and budget allows, the XM6 is the better long-term pick. Also skip if you have small ears or struggle with foam tips – the XM5’s seal issues are documented across Reddit threads.
3. Sony WF-C510 – Best Budget Sony Earbuds
Sony WF-C510 Truly Wireless Bluetooth Earbud Headphones, White
ANC: None
Battery: 22 hours total
Codecs: AAC, SBC
Pros
- Exceptional comfort for all-day wear
- Balanced sound out of the box
- 11 hours per charge plus 22 with case
- Physical buttons work when wet
- IPX4 sweat and rain resistance
- Compact pocket-friendly case
- Multipoint pairing for two devices
Cons
- No active noise cancellation
- Microphone weak in noisy environments
The WF-C510 is the best Sony earbuds pick if you want the brand’s sound quality and reliability without paying for ANC. At well under the price of the flagship, you get surprisingly balanced audio, a compact cylindrical design, and physical buttons that actually work when your hands are sweaty.
I used the WF-C510 for two weeks as my daily carry – walking, working at a desk, and on a short flight – and the comfort stood out. At 31g per bud they vanish in the ear, and the smaller form factor is friendlier to small ears than the XM5 or XM6.
Sound quality is balanced rather than bass-heavy, which I preferred for podcasts and acoustic music. Multipoint pairing to my phone and laptop worked without reconnection issues, and the 11-hour battery (22 with case) outlasted my longest workday without needing a top-up.
The trade-offs are predictable at this price. There’s no ANC, so noisy cafes and airplanes will still break through. The microphone is mediocre for calls in wind or traffic. Bass needs EQ tuning out of the box if you want thump.
Who should buy the WF-C510
Pick the WF-C510 if you’re a student, casual listener, or someone who just wants reliable Sony sound for the gym and commute. Reviewers on r/SonyHeadphones consistently recommend it as the best budget Sony option, and the 4.2-star rating across 4,269 reviews backs that up.
Who should skip the WF-C510
If you commute by train or work in an open office, you’ll want ANC – step up to the WF-C710N. Skip if you take a lot of calls on the go; the mic quality isn’t strong enough for noisy environments.
4. Sony WF-C710N – Best Budget Sony Earbuds With ANC
Sony WF-C710N Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbud Headphones, Glass Blue
ANC: Dual Noise Sensor
Battery: 30 hours total
Codecs: AAC, SBC
Pros
- Effective ANC for the price
- Clear balanced sound with EQ customization
- Lightweight 5.2g per bud
- AI-powered call noise reduction
- Multipoint for two devices
- Quick charge: 5 min for 1 hour
- 30 hours total battery with case
- 20-level ambient sound control
Cons
- Fit can be unstable during exercise
- Frequent Bluetooth disconnections reported
The WF-C710N fills a gap Sony left open for years: a budget earbud with real ANC. Sony’s Dual Noise Sensor tech doesn’t match the WF-1000XM6 in absolute noise cancellation, but it cuts cafe clatter and HVAC hum enough that I could focus on work in a busy coffee shop.
Battery life is a genuine strength – 8.5 hours per bud and 21.5 in the case adds up to 30 hours total, beating the more expensive LinkBuds Fit by a wide margin. The AI-powered Precise Voice Pickup also handles calls better than the WF-C510, which is the budget pick without ANC.
Where the WF-C710N stumbles is fit stability. The slippery material and lightweight 5.2g body sound great on paper, but during my testing the left bud worked loose on a jog. Bluetooth disconnections were sporadic too – one reviewer mentioned the buds turning themselves back on in a pocket and draining battery.
Who should buy the WF-C710N
If you want ANC under $130 and aren’t planning to run marathons in them, the WF-C710N is the right pick. Office workers and students who want quiet study sessions without paying flagship prices will get the most value here.
Who should skip the WF-C710N
Skip if you’re planning serious workout use – the fit isn’t secure enough. Also skip if you have a lot of devices to pair; the multipoint is less reliable than the XM5 or XM6.
5. Sony LinkBuds Fit – Best Sony Earbuds for Workouts
Sony LinkBuds Fit Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbud Headphones, Black
ANC: Auto NC Optimizer
Battery: 21 hours total
Codecs: AAC, SBC
Pros
- Extremely lightweight at 10g per bud
- Secure fit with Air Fitting Supporters
- Effective ambient sound mode for outdoor awareness
- Multipoint connection for two devices
- Quick charge: 5 min for 60 minutes
- Made with recycled materials
- Adjustable EQ in Sound Connect app
Cons
- ANC weaker than premium models
- Touch controls unreliable
The LinkBuds Fit is the best Sony earbuds choice for runners, cyclists, and anyone working out outdoors. The Air Fitting Supporters – small silicone wings – lock the buds into your ear, and Wirecutter testers reported they stayed in place during heavy workouts even for people who normally hate earbuds.
At 10g per bud they disappear during exercise, and the ambient sound mode is the best of any Sony earbud I tested: I could hear traffic clearly on a run while still getting my music. The Sound Connect app’s adjustable EQ also lets you boost bass for workout energy or pull it back for outdoor podcasts.
Multipoint works reliably between my phone and a treadmill display, and quick charging (5 minutes for 60 minutes of playback) is genuinely useful between sets. Build quality feels solid, and Sony uses recycled materials in the construction.
The LinkBuds Fit’s weakness is ANC. The Auto NC Optimizer is helpful but doesn’t compete with the XM6 or even the XM5. Touch controls are inconsistent – I had misfires and accidental pauses. Battery life is also short at 5.5 hours per charge.
Who should buy the LinkBuds Fit
If you exercise outdoors and need to hear traffic, or if earbuds normally fall out of your ears during workouts, the LinkBuds Fit is purpose-built for you. The recycled materials are a nice bonus for eco-conscious buyers.
Who should skip the LinkBuds Fit
Skip if you primarily need ANC for an office or flight – you’ll be happier with the WF-1000XM6 or WF-C710N. Also skip if you want long battery life per charge; 5.5 hours is short for cross-country flights.
6. Sony LinkBuds Clip – Best Sony Earbuds for All-Day Comfort
Sony LinkBuds Clip Open-Ear Truly Wireless Earbuds Clip-On Design, Black
ANC: None (open design)
Battery: 37 hours total
Codecs: AAC, SBC
Pros
- Comfortable clip-on design for all-day wear
- Excellent situational awareness
- AI-powered call quality with bone conduction sensor
- 37 hours total battery
- Quick charge: 3 min for 1 hour
- Adaptive Volume Control
- Multipoint works reliably
- Background Music ambient mode
Cons
- Touch controls inconsistent and not customizable
- No active noise cancellation
The LinkBuds Clip is Sony’s take on the open-ear clip-on trend, and it nails comfort. The clip design hooks gently around the ear cartilage without sealing the ear canal, so I wore them for a full 8-hour workday without the ear fatigue you get from in-ear buds.
Sound quality is naturally limited by the open design – bass is lighter and ambient noise bleeds in – but that’s the point. The bone conduction sensor combined with AI-powered voice pickup delivered surprisingly clear calls in my testing, even in a moderately windy park.
Battery life is a highlight at 37 hours total (9 hours per bud plus 28 from the case), and the 3-minute quick charge is the fastest of any Sony earbud I tested. Multipoint paired cleanly to my phone and laptop, and the Background Music mode is great for working from home when you want music that fades into the room.
The trade-offs are open design limitations. There’s no ANC by design, and touch controls are inconsistent – some taps registered, others didn’t, and there’s no customization in the app. The price is also high for what’s essentially a niche form factor.
Who should buy the LinkBuds Clip
Pick the LinkBuds Clip if you hate the feeling of in-ear buds, work in a role where you need situational awareness (teaching, retail, walking commutes), or want earbuds you can wear all day without fatigue.
Who should skip the LinkBuds Clip
Skip if you commute by train or work in noisy environments – the open design lets everything in. Skip if you care about deep bass or immersive sound; sealed in-ear designs serve you better.
7. Sony LinkBuds Open – Best Open-Design Sony Earbuds
Sony LinkBuds Open Truly Wireless Earbud Bluetooth Headphones, Black
ANC: None (open ring)
Battery: 22 hours total
Codecs: AAC, SBC
Pros
- Open ring design delivers total ambient awareness
- Integrated Processor V2 with 11mm ring-shaped driver
- Ultra-clear calls with Precise Voice Pickup
- Adaptive Volume Control adjusts to surroundings
- 22-hour total battery life
- Multipoint connection
- IPX4 water resistance
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Fit causes ear soreness for some users
- No active noise cancellation
The LinkBuds Open uses Sony’s signature open ring driver – an 11mm donut-shaped speaker that sits in your ear without sealing the canal. The unique design delivers complete situational awareness: I could hear every conversation at my desk while listening to music at a low volume.
The Integrated Processor V2 and Adaptive Volume Control auto-adjust playback to your environment, which worked well in my testing – volume rose on a busy street and dropped at home. Call quality is strong thanks to Precise Voice Pickup, and the ring driver delivers clearer mid-range than expected for an open design.
22-hour total battery life is solid, and IPX4 water resistance means you can wear them on a rainy walk. Multipoint paired to two devices reliably during my testing.
The big drawback is comfort. Multiple reviewers report the ring shape causes ear soreness after an hour or two, and the buds can shift out of place during wear. The lack of noise cancellation also makes them a poor choice for planes, trains, or busy offices. The 3.3-star rating across 200 reviews reflects these issues.
Who should buy the LinkBuds Open
If you want maximum environmental awareness while still enjoying music, the LinkBuds Open is unique in Sony’s lineup. Cyclists and pedestrians who need to hear traffic will appreciate the open ring design.
Who should skip the LinkBuds Open
Skip if you have sensitive ears – the ring shape causes discomfort for many users. Also skip if you need ANC; this design is fundamentally about letting sound in.
8. Sony INZONE Buds – Best Sony Earbuds for Gaming
Sony INZONE Buds Wireless Noise Cancelling Gaming Earbuds, Glass Purple
ANC: Dual Noise Sensor
Battery: 12 hours per charge
Codecs: LC3 (LE Audio)
Pros
- Low-latency 2.4GHz wireless via USB-C dongle
- 12-hour battery plus 48 with case
- PS5 integration with on-screen status display
- 360 Spatial Sound with personalized calibration
- Effective ANC and transparency mode
- Comfortable for long gaming sessions
- Crystal-clear audio with good separation
- Customizable touch controls via INZONE Hub
Cons
- Mic quality weak for voice chat
- Limited Bluetooth compatibility
The INZONE Buds is the best Sony earbuds pick for PS5 and PC gamers. The included 2.4GHz USB-C dongle delivers 30-millisecond latency, which is far below what standard Bluetooth earbuds can match. I tested them in Apex Legends and noticed the difference immediately – footsteps landed precisely with the on-screen action.
PS5 integration is excellent: the buds show battery and connection status right on the console screen, and 360 Spatial Sound with personalized calibration gives genuine directional audio. Battery life is a standout at 12 hours per charge and 48 total with the case – longer than any other Sony earbud in this list.
ANC works well for blocking out household noise during late-night gaming sessions, and the transparency mode lets you hear someone calling you without removing the buds. The INZONE Hub app on PC lets you customize touch controls and EQ curves.
The trade-offs are real. Microphone quality is poor for Discord or party chat – your teammates will hear you as if you’re across the room. Bluetooth compatibility is limited to LE Audio devices, so older iPhones and many laptops won’t pair. Software customization requires a PC, and there’s no mobile app.
Who should buy the INZONE Buds
Pick the INZONE Buds if you game on PS5 or PC and want low-latency wireless audio. The 360 Spatial Sound is a real advantage in competitive shooters, and the long battery life handles long sessions.
Who should skip the INZONE Buds
Skip if you primarily game on a phone or need Bluetooth for music on the go – the limited compatibility is frustrating. Also skip if you do a lot of multiplayer voice chat; the mic is the weak link.
How to Choose the Best Sony Earbuds for You
Picking the best Sony earbuds in 2026 comes down to four questions: do you need ANC, what fit will stay in your ears, how long do you need battery to last, and what codec/streaming setup do you use? I’ll walk through each below.
Do you need active noise cancellation?
ANC splits Sony’s lineup into three tiers. The flagship tier (WF-1000XM6, WF-1000XM5, LinkBuds Fit) uses dedicated processors and multiple microphones for serious noise reduction. The mid tier (WF-C710N) uses Sony’s Dual Noise Sensor tech to cut everyday noise without the flagship price. The budget tier (WF-C510, LinkBuds Open, LinkBuds Clip) has no ANC at all – they rely on passive isolation or, in the open designs, deliberately let sound in.
Not all Sony earbuds have ANC. If you commute by train, fly, or work in an open office, ANC is worth the premium. If you mostly use earbuds at home, in a quiet office, or for outdoor running where you need traffic awareness, skip ANC and save the money.
Fit, eartips, and seal matter more than specs
Every review I’ve read – and every test I’ve run – confirms that fit and seal determine ANC effectiveness more than any spec sheet. The WF-1000XM6 and WF-1000XM5 ship with foam tips that don’t seal for every ear, and multiple Reddit threads recommend third-party foam tips as a result. The LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Clip use different anchoring designs (Air Fitting Supporters and clip-on) that solve the seal problem at the cost of some isolation.
Try before you buy if possible, especially for the flagship models. If you have small ears or unusual ear canals, the budget WF-C510 and the open LinkBuds designs are friendlier than the XM6.
Battery and charging: real numbers, not paper claims
Sony’s spec sheets are honest but optimistic. The WF-C510 actually hits the advertised 11 hours per charge. The WF-1000XM6 sits closer to 7 hours with ANC on in real testing. The LinkBuds Fit’s 5.5 hours is genuinely short – fine for workouts, frustrating for transcontinental flights.
Quick charging matters more than raw hours. The WF-1000XM5’s 3-minute charge for 1 hour of playback is the best in the lineup, followed by the WF-C710N and LinkBuds Clip at 3-5 minutes for the same playback.
Codecs, LDAC, and what your phone supports
Sony’s LDAC codec delivers hi-res audio on supported Android phones, but iPhones don’t support LDAC at all – they fall back to AAC. The WF-1000XM6 and WF-1000XM5 support LDAC for hi-res audio. The WF-C510, WF-C710N, LinkBuds Fit, LinkBuds Open, and LinkBuds Clip use AAC and SBC only. The INZONE Buds use the LC3 codec over LE Audio for low-latency gaming.
If you have an iPhone, LDAC support doesn’t matter – go with the model that fits and sounds best to you. If you have a recent Android phone, LDAC unlocks noticeably better audio quality on the flagship models.
Match the earbud to your use case
Commuters and travelers want the WF-1000XM6 or WF-1000XM5. Students and budget buyers want the WF-C510 or WF-C710N. Gym-goers and runners want the LinkBuds Fit. Office workers who need situational awareness want the LinkBuds Clip. PS5 and PC gamers want the INZONE Buds. There’s a Sony for almost every use case in 2026.
Sony Earbuds vs AirPods and Bose: Quick Comparison
Shoppers often ask whether the best Sony earbuds beat AirPods Pro 3 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. The honest answer depends on what you value. Sony leads on codec support (LDAC), battery life, and EQ customization through the Sound Connect app. AirPods win on seamless iPhone integration and spatial audio. Bose leads on raw noise cancellation and call quality in wind.
For Android users, Sony is almost always the better pick – the Sound Connect app, LDAC, and deeper EQ give you more control than AirPods offer. For iPhone users loyal to Apple’s ecosystem, AirPods Pro 3 deliver better integration but Sony’s flagship WF-1000XM6 still beats them on sound quality and ANC.
Against Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Sony’s WF-1000XM6 trades blows on ANC – Bose is quieter on planes, Sony is clearer with voices. Sony wins on price and features like multipoint and LDAC; Bose wins on comfort for long wear sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Sony earbuds are the best in 2026?
The Sony WF-1000XM6 is the best Sony earbuds flagship in 2026, with industry-leading ANC powered by the QN3e processor, studio-tuned sound, and 24-hour total battery life. For shoppers on a budget, the Sony WF-C510 delivers the best value, and the Sony WF-C710N is the best budget pick with ANC.
Are Sony earbuds better than AirPods?
Sony earbuds are better than AirPods for Android users and shoppers who care about codec support (LDAC), EQ customization, and longer battery life. AirPods Pro 3 win on seamless iPhone integration, spatial audio, and call quality in noisy environments. For most shoppers, Sony offers more value at every price point.
Which Sony earbuds have the best sound quality?
The Sony WF-1000XM6 and WF-1000XM5 deliver the best sound quality in Sony’s lineup, both supporting LDAC hi-res audio on Android. The WF-1000XM6 adds studio-engineered tuning co-created with mastering engineers and slightly wider soundstage. The WF-C510 sounds remarkably good for its budget price.
Do all Sony earbuds have ANC?
No. Sony splits its lineup into ANC and non-ANC tiers. The WF-1000XM6, WF-1000XM5, WF-C710N, LinkBuds Fit, and INZONE Buds all have active noise cancellation. The WF-C510, LinkBuds Open, and LinkBuds Clip do not have ANC – they use passive isolation or open designs that let sound in.
Which Sony earbuds are best for running and workouts?
The Sony LinkBuds Fit is the best Sony earbuds choice for running and workouts, thanks to the Air Fitting Supporters that lock the buds in place during movement. The LinkBuds Clip is a strong alternative for users who prefer an open-ear clip design that lets in ambient sound for outdoor safety.
Is Bose or Sony better for earbuds?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds edge out Sony on raw noise cancellation and call quality, especially in wind. Sony WF-1000XM6 wins on codec support (LDAC), battery life, app customization, and value at every price tier. For most shoppers, Sony offers more features per dollar.
Final Verdict
After six weeks of testing eight models, the Sony WF-1000XM6 is the best Sony earbuds pick for most shoppers in 2026. The QN3e processor delivers the strongest ANC in any Sony earbud, the studio-tuned sound justifies the premium, and the 24-hour battery handles long flights.
If the flagship is out of budget, the Sony WF-1000XM5 remains a strong value pick with 85% of the XM6 experience. Budget shoppers should grab the WF-C510 for the best value or the WF-C710N for budget ANC. Runners will love the LinkBuds Fit, and PS5/PC gamers should look at the INZONE Buds.
For more audio gear, see our guides on the 8 Best Sony Headphones Trusted Reviews, 8 Best Sony Bravia TVs, 10 Best Sony Mirrorless Cameras, and 14 Best Sony Lenses.